k.pearson wrote in
:

On 12 May 2005 10:45:40 -0700, Bill Tuthill wrote:

k.pearson wrote:

Greg Barton has a discussion on the Epic Kayak web page that does a
good job of putting bend shaft paddles in perspective. There are
places whene they offer some advantages, There are disadvantages that
most sea kayakers find out-weigh those advantanges.

Could you give us the URL please? I couldn't find it using Google,
either under "bent" or "bend" shaft.

Don't whitewater kayakers find that bent shaft paddles give them an
advantage in rolling? Think so.

Bill

This is the URL for the short article that Greg wrote in the Epic
Kayaks Oct 2004 newsletter.

http://www.epickayaks.com/newsletter...ctober2004.htm

I've always been one to follow the lead of the top competive athletes
when it comes to new equipment. If bent shaft was really beneficial
in sea kayaks, I think we'd be seeing them in racing use. I've tried
one, but Greg's comment about needing to space it exactly for each
paddler is right on. I needed about a 1/2 inch narrowerd spacing, and
it felt awkward.

I've had similary experiences with bent shaft paddles. I went on a trip a
few years ago off the coast of Newfoundland and the guide let me use his
Lendal bent shaft paddle. It felt like my hands were forced an inch or so
further apart than I'm used to. After less than an hour I switch paddles
with him to a plastic blade Aquabound. A friend of mine owns a paddle shop
and carries the Werner carbon fiber bent shaft paddles. I've tried them in
a variety of lengths and blade shapes and still prefer my own fiberglass
Lightning standard.